The Excerpt
HER TEXAS HERO, Bass Family saga, Book 6, Coming soon-ish . . .
Thankfully, if anyone in the bustling rustic town was shocked by her appearance no one betrayed it. Hotel clerks and clientele were too involved with their own business to pay any mind to the trail-worn couple who edged up to the desk where a pinch-faced clerk assessed them unblinkingly.
“Do you have reservations?”
“Yessir, under Bass, for a single room with two beds, but we’ll require an additional one for the lady.” At Marti’s quick draw of breath, Carson added, “A separate room, that its.”
The shiny coin he pushed across the desk was subtly pocketed.
“And the lady will need a tub.” Carson leaned forward to whisper in a confidential tone, “She had an unfortunate falling out with her intended and my cousin and I are seeing her to her father. He’s a good friend of the family. We’d appreciate your discretion.”
Another impressive coin was tendered and palmed with a somber, “Of course, sir.”
(…and a bit more…)
Eager to earn more of that generous bounty, the desk clerk leaned forward to offer, “If the lady provides me with the particulars, I could arrange for suitable attire to be brought up for her selection.”
A quick nod. “I insist you put the expense on our account.”
Before a shocked and shiny-eyed Martine could protest, the rather relieved desk clerk murmured, “Yes, of course, Mr. Bass. Your family’s credit is always good here.” After running a finger down several columns in the big book in front of him, he announced, “I have a very nice single room available across the hall from yours. Be assured our accommodations are secure. I’ll arrange for the owner of the dress shop to visit her there.”
Martine lifted damp eyes to her rescuer. “It’s too much . . .”
Carson cut off her quavering protest. “It’s not enough and the very least we can do. We’ll take you to rejoin your father tomorrow when you’re refreshed.”
It was glance down or dissolve into overwhelm sobs as she manage a hoarse, “You are very kind.”
The younger Bass cousin shrugged to distract from his blush as he muttered, “Happy to be of assistance . . . both me and Rand.”
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